The False Prison

'magisterial study ... Pears is of course an exceptionally well-qualified guide to theTractatus' Time Literary Supplement 'He has an unerring sense for what is central in Wittgenstein's investigations and an enviable gift for reconstructing Wittgenstein's thought by projecting himself into a problem as it presented itself to Wittgenstein, but without sacrificing his independence. The depth and density of his interpretation contrast sharply with most other efforts. His book is elegantly and imaginatively written, with an unrivalled sympathy for and rare mastery of its subject.' Malcolm Budd, TLS 'lucid and careful treatment' Times Higher Education Supplement 'This book provides a detailed and perceptive account of both the continuities and discontinuities in the development of Wittgenstein's later treatment of the ego, sensation and rule-following.' David Stern, University of Iowa, Canadian Philosophical Reviews 'The clarity of the exposition and the detail with which the arguments are untangled makes this an excellent book for student use.' Rom Harré, International Studies in Philosophy